The 2024 Lindi Carien White Blend is more enticing and savoury than the 2023, showing delineated fruit and texture in spades. Drink it with food, with friends, and everything in between.

‘High elevation, sandstone soils and a pretty dodgy trellised system gives you something so unique,’ says Franco of the 95-point Skuinskap Steen 2024. From a vineyard planted in 1977, the sheer concentration and complexity are thrilling.

The new, 97-point Mathias Steen is powerful and ‘riveting’ (Christian Eedes). From a tiny vineyard in the Paardeberg planted in 1981, it’s a love letter to Swartland Chenin. Also new is the 100% Verdelho from Stellenbosch, Proefkonyn 2024. It’s salty and laced with lemon and blood orange pith – a wine of density, without lacking tension.

His rare 95-point Lua Grenache is superb in 2024. From a block planted in 1988 at 680m above sea level in Piekenierskloof, it’s deep, bright and so pretty with arresting aromatics. The elegance, intensity and super structured palate guarantee a long life ahead.

The precision of the 2024 Howard John Red Blend is remarkable. It’s full of flavour and showcases the Swartland in the most refined way. ‘Approachable now but balanced and structured enough to drink well until at least 2030,’ remarks Eedes.